Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method comprising: with a distributed Session Border Controller (SBC), providing a plurality of first type nodes, each first type node configured to perform a control function to establish a connection between a first endpoint and a second endpoint or a bearer function to bear media traffic between the first endpoint and the second endpoint; with the distributed SBC, providing a plurality of second type nodes, each second type node configured to perform the other of the control function or the bearer function, at least one of the plurality of first type nodes being geographically separate by a predetermined distance from at least one of the plurality of second type nodes; and with the distributed SBC, changing a total number of at least one of the first type nodes and the second type nodes, in response to a predetermined event.
Telecommunications. This invention addresses the need for flexible and scalable management of media and control functions in a distributed Session Border Controller (SBC) environment. The system involves a distributed SBC that provides two types of nodes. First type nodes are responsible for either establishing a connection between two endpoints (control function) or for carrying the actual media traffic (bearer function). Second type nodes perform the function that the first type nodes do not. Crucially, at least one first type node can be geographically separated from at least one second type node by a defined distance. The distributed SBC can dynamically adjust the total number of first type nodes and/or second type nodes based on a specific event. This allows for dynamic scaling and resource allocation to optimize performance and reliability in response to changing network conditions or demands.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the plurality of the first or second type nodes are physical control nodes.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the plurality of first or second type nodes are virtual control nodes.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first or second type nodes is a physical bearer node.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first or second type nodes is a virtual bearer node.
Networking. This invention relates to methods for managing network bearers, specifically addressing scenarios where network nodes are virtualized. The problem addressed is the efficient and flexible management of data transmission paths (bearers) in networks that incorporate virtual network functions or nodes. The method involves establishing and managing at least two types of network nodes. A key aspect of the invention is that at least one of these node types, either the first type or the second type of node, can be a virtual bearer node. A virtual bearer node implies a network function or entity that is implemented in software and does not correspond to a dedicated physical hardware device. This allows for dynamic allocation, scaling, and management of network bearers based on software-defined networking principles. The invention enables greater adaptability and resource utilization in modern, virtualized network infrastructures by allowing the bearer infrastructure to be composed of virtual components.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of first and second type nodes comprise at least one bearer node and least one control node in different datacenters.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of first and second type nodes comprise at least one bearer node and least one control node separated by at least 100 miles.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of first and second type nodes comprise at least one bearer node and least one control node separated by at least 1000 miles.
A method for managing a distributed network system involves a plurality of nodes, including at least one bearer node and at least one control node, separated by a distance of at least 1000 miles. The bearer node is responsible for handling data transmission and storage, while the control node manages network operations, security, and coordination between nodes. The separation ensures geographical redundancy, improving fault tolerance and resilience against localized disruptions. The method may also include dynamic load balancing, where data traffic is distributed across nodes based on real-time demand and performance metrics. Additionally, the system may employ encryption and authentication protocols to secure communications between nodes, particularly over long distances. The distributed architecture allows for scalable expansion, enabling the addition of new nodes without significant performance degradation. This approach is particularly useful in large-scale networks, such as cloud computing, telecommunications, or distributed storage systems, where reliability and security are critical. The method ensures continuous operation even if one node fails, as the remaining nodes can maintain functionality.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein plurality of first and second type nodes comprise bearer nodes and control nodes that communicate using a level 3 routing protocol.
A system and method for network communication involves a distributed architecture with multiple types of nodes, including bearer nodes and control nodes, that interact using a level 3 routing protocol. The network is designed to optimize data transmission and control functions by separating these roles into distinct node types. Bearer nodes handle data forwarding, while control nodes manage routing decisions and network policies. The level 3 routing protocol enables efficient communication between these nodes, ensuring reliable data transfer and dynamic path selection. This architecture improves scalability and flexibility in network operations, allowing for better resource utilization and reduced latency. The system is particularly useful in large-scale networks where centralized control would be inefficient, providing a decentralized approach to routing and data management. The use of a level 3 protocol ensures compatibility with existing network infrastructure while enhancing performance. This method addresses challenges in modern networking, such as handling high traffic volumes and maintaining low-latency connections, by leveraging a distributed node structure and advanced routing techniques. The system can be applied in various network environments, including data centers, telecommunications, and cloud computing, to improve overall network efficiency and reliability.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of first and second type nodes comprise at least one bearer node centrally located between at least two control nodes.
This invention relates to network architectures, specifically optimizing the placement of nodes in a distributed system to improve communication efficiency and reliability. The problem addressed is the inefficiency and potential bottlenecks in traditional network topologies where control nodes and bearer nodes are not optimally positioned, leading to increased latency, congestion, or single points of failure. The invention describes a network architecture where nodes are categorized into at least two types: control nodes and bearer nodes. Control nodes manage network operations, such as routing, while bearer nodes handle data transmission. The key innovation is the placement of at least one bearer node centrally between at least two control nodes. This central positioning ensures balanced traffic distribution, reduces latency, and enhances fault tolerance by avoiding over-reliance on any single control node. The bearer node acts as an intermediary, facilitating efficient data flow between the control nodes while minimizing communication delays. This configuration also allows for dynamic load balancing, as the centrally located bearer node can distribute traffic based on real-time network conditions. The system may include multiple such configurations to scale across larger networks, ensuring robustness and adaptability. The invention improves network performance by optimizing node placement, reducing bottlenecks, and enhancing overall system reliability.
11. A method comprising: with a distributed telecommunication component, providing a plurality of first type nodes, each first type node configured to perform one of a control function and a bearer function; with the distributed telecommunication component, providing a plurality of second type nodes, each second type node configured to perform the other of a control function and a bearer function; at least one of the plurality of first type nodes geographically separated by a predetermined distance from at least one of the plurality of second type nodes; and with the distributed telecommunication component, in response to a predetermined event, changing a total number of at least one of the first type nodes and the second type nodes.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the predetermined distance corresponds to a distance between a first datacenter that houses the at least one of the plurality of first type nodes and a second datacenter that houses the at least one of the second type nodes.
13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the predetermined distance comprises at least 100 miles.
14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the predetermined distance comprises at least 1000 miles.
A system and method for long-range wireless communication involves transmitting data over a distance of at least 1000 miles using a network of relay nodes. The system includes a plurality of relay nodes positioned at intervals along a communication path to extend the range of wireless signals beyond the direct transmission capability of individual nodes. Each relay node receives a signal from a preceding node, amplifies or regenerates it, and forwards it to the next node in the sequence. The relay nodes may operate using various wireless communication protocols, including satellite, radio, or microwave transmissions, to ensure reliable data transfer over long distances. The system is designed to overcome limitations in direct wireless communication range, particularly in remote or geographically dispersed areas where traditional infrastructure is unavailable. By maintaining a network of strategically placed relay nodes, the system enables continuous data transmission across vast distances without significant signal degradation. The method includes selecting relay node locations, configuring communication protocols, and dynamically adjusting signal parameters to optimize performance based on environmental conditions and network demand. This approach ensures robust, long-distance wireless communication for applications such as remote monitoring, disaster response, and military operations.
15. The method of claim 11 , wherein each of the plurality of second type nodes is geographically located within a 50 mile radius and at least one of the plurality of first type nodes is separated from any of the first type nodes by at least 100 miles.
Network infrastructure and distributed computing. The problem addressed is efficient data dissemination and management in a geographically dispersed network. A system is described for distributing data across a network comprising at least two types of nodes. A first type of node has a significant geographical separation from other nodes of the same type, specifically, at least one such node is separated from any other first type node by a distance of at least 100 miles. A second type of node is located in closer proximity to other nodes of its type, with each of these nodes being geographically located within a 50-mile radius of each other. This configuration allows for a hierarchical or tiered data distribution strategy, where geographically dispersed first type nodes can serve as major data hubs or repositories, while the closely grouped second type nodes can act as local caches or distribution points, optimizing data access and management within specific geographic regions.
16. The method of claim 11 , wherein both the first type nodes and the second type nodes include both virtual and physical nodes.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein a virtual node's location corresponds to a location of the physical hardware supporting that virtual node.
A system and method for managing virtual nodes in a network infrastructure ensures that the virtual nodes are geographically aligned with the physical hardware that supports them. This alignment improves network performance, reduces latency, and enhances reliability by minimizing the physical distance between virtual nodes and their underlying hardware resources. The method involves mapping the virtual node's location to the physical location of the supporting hardware, ensuring that virtual nodes are deployed in a way that optimizes resource utilization and network efficiency. This approach is particularly useful in distributed computing environments, cloud computing, and edge computing, where minimizing latency and maximizing resource efficiency are critical. By aligning virtual nodes with their physical hardware, the system ensures that computational tasks are processed closer to the data source, reducing transmission delays and improving overall system responsiveness. The method also supports dynamic adjustments to virtual node locations based on changes in hardware availability or network conditions, ensuring continuous optimization of network performance. This solution addresses the challenge of efficiently managing virtualized resources in large-scale networked systems, where traditional approaches may lead to suboptimal performance due to mismatches between virtual and physical resource locations.
18. A distributed telecommunication system configured to handle telecommunication sessions between networks, the system comprising: a plurality of first type nodes, each first type node configured to perform a control function or a bearer; a plurality of second type nodes, each second type node configured to perform the other of the control function or the bearer function, at least one of the plurality of first type nodes being geographically separate from at least one of the plurality of second type nodes; and a distributed telecommunication component, configured to change a total number of at least one of the plurality of first type nodes and the plurality of second type nodes, in response to a predetermined event.
19. The distributed telecommunication system of claim 18 , wherein the plurality of first and second type nodes comprise at least one bearer node is centrally located between at least two control nodes.
20. The distributed telecommunication system of claim 18 , wherein the plurality of first and second type nodes comprise each of a plurality of bearer nodes geographically located within a 50 mile radius and at least one of a plurality of control nodes separated from any of the bearer nodes by at least 100 miles.
This invention relates to a distributed telecommunication system designed to improve network resilience and performance by strategically separating control and bearer functions. The system addresses the problem of centralized network vulnerabilities by distributing nodes across different geographic locations to enhance fault tolerance and reduce latency. The system includes multiple bearer nodes, which handle data transmission, and control nodes, which manage network operations. The bearer nodes are geographically clustered within a 50-mile radius to minimize latency and optimize data routing, while the control nodes are physically separated by at least 100 miles from any bearer node. This separation ensures that a localized failure or attack affecting one set of nodes does not compromise the entire network. The system dynamically routes traffic through the bearer nodes while maintaining centralized control from the distant control nodes, improving reliability and scalability. The distributed architecture allows for localized data processing while maintaining centralized oversight, reducing the risk of single points of failure and improving overall network robustness.
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April 6, 2021
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